Counseling & Support: Patient-to-Patient Support Program

Many people who are diagnosed with cancer struggle with a fear of the unknown — fear concerning treatment, recovery, the hospital experience, and coping with a serious illness. During this difficult time, you may find it comforting to speak with a cancer survivor or caregiver who has been through the experience of treatment, and is willing to listen to any concerns or anxieties you may have.

“ I met a lot of wonderful and dedicated staff and volunteers during my 14 years as a patient-to-patient volunteer. It was a privilege and honor. “

-Patient-to-Patient Volunteer

For more than 30 years at Memorial Sloan Kettering, we have offered patients who are in active treatment as well as their family members the chance to speak with former patients and caregivers through the Patient-to-Patient Support Program.

These conversations, which may vary in length, can take place in person, over the phone, or via e-mail. Patients and family members consistently tell us they find the experience to be enriching, therapeutic, and healing. All conversations are private and remain confidential. For more information please call the Department of Volunteer Resources at 212-639-5007 or e-mail patient2patient@mskcc.org.

Patient and Family Advisor Program

Patient and family advisors are members of the Memorial Sloan Kettering community who are committed to representing the patient and family experience. Advisors are involved in discussions about the following:

development and implementation of policies and programs

design of our healthcare facilities

education of our professionals

delivery of care

They also represent the patient and family perspective on many committees, including Patient Safety, Ethics, and Patient and Caregiver Education, and participate in focus groups to discuss new hospital initiatives. In addition, patient and family advisors are involved in hospital-wide events such as the Performance Improvement Fair, Patient Safety Week, and Survivorship Day.

Becoming a Patient-to-Patient or Patient and Family Advisor Volunteer

If you are a former patient or caregiver, you have the opportunity to serve in the Patient-to-Patient Support Program or the Patient and Family Advisor Program. You must have completed active treatment and be in remission for at least one year. If you are a caregiver, you must no longer be caring for a patient in active treatment. Training for prospective volunteers focuses on learning effective communication techniques and ways to draw upon your own experiences to support the needs of patients and their caregivers. Learn more about volunteering at Memorial Sloan Kettering.

cancer (KAN-ser)

A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is a cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is a cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. Also called malignancy.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

caregiver (KAYR-gih-ver)

A person who gives care to people who need help taking care of themselves. Examples include children, the elderly, or patients who have chronic illnesses or are disabled. Caregivers may be health professionals, family members, friends, social workers, or members of the clergy. They may give care at home or in a hospital or other health care setting.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

prospective (pruh-SPEK-tiv)

In medicine, a study or clinical trial in which participants are identified and then followed forward in time.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

quality of life (KWAH-lih-tee ... life)

The overall enjoyment of life. Many clinical trials assess the effects of cancer and its treatment on the quality of life. These studies measure aspects of an individual’s sense of well-being and ability to carry out various activities.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

remission (reh-MIH-shun)

A decrease in or disappearance of signs and symptoms of cancer. In partial remission, some, but not all, signs and symptoms of cancer have disappeared. In complete remission, all signs and symptoms of cancer have disappeared, although cancer still may be in the body.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

survivor (ser-VY-ver)

One who remains alive and continues to function during and after overcoming a serious hardship or life-threatening disease. In cancer, a person is considered to be a survivor from the time of diagnosis until the end of life.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

survivorship (ser-VY-ver-ship)

In cancer, survivorship covers the physical, psychosocial, and economic issues of cancer, from diagnosis until the end of life. It focuses on the health and life of a person with cancer beyond the diagnosis and treatment phases. Survivorship includes issues related to the ability to get health care and follow-up treatment, late effects of treatment, second cancers, and quality of life. Family members, friends, and caregivers are also part of the survivorship experience.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

therapeutic (THAYR-uh-PYOO-tik)

Having to do with treating disease and helping healing take place.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)